Smtp Options

Has anyone tried any other solutions for voice mail to email other than Microsoft Exchange server or IIs. I have my system running on windows 7 without a true server and wondered if anyone has a solution. Even kevin himself logged into our system and tried to set us up with his gmail smtp server I think it was smtp.gmail.com. I am not for sure on that but I would love some feedback on this.

I appreciate the replies but I think fundamentally I don't understand the configuration. Can you advise on some of the details. Here is what I have so far.
3cx on windows 7
hmailserver
Not sure about the domain thing we use homestead and godaddy for websites
any advice!
thanks

hmailserver is good choice for a free/reliable smtp, but consider that you'll need your own domain so you can create an SPF record and also a reverse DNS from your ISP, otherwise your emails may not reach the recipients. Using a third party SMTP server eliminates the need to control your own DNS records, but it may cost you.

Does anybody uses gmail as SMTP server? I need to configure 3CX voice mail with gmail for use my mail addresses...
I uses W7 enterprise and I want to install 3CX Phone System Version 10 with Abyss server..